What You Need To Know About Providing Your Special Breed Cat With a Healthy Start in Life

They grow so quickly, don’t they? One minute they’re all limbs and climbing the curtains, and the next, they’re adults! As our pets transition from one stage to the next, their nutritional requirements change. Are you feeding your pet the right food for their specific needs?

Kittens tend to develop more rapidly than puppies do. Their eyes and ears are functional at a younger age allowing them to observe and respond to stimuli in their environment. Kittens require double to triple the amount of energy that adult cats do to promote and sustain their spurts of growth. Their food is fuel in the form of energy, protein, fats, as well as nutrients like vitamins, minerals and more – all in the right amounts and proportions to ensure long term health and wellness.

Royal Canin’s range includes a kibble that’s perfectly sized for small teeth and formulated for growing kittens, as well as a selection of nutritionally aligned wet food that will never fail to tempt picky eaters. kitten food also comes in special formulas for some unique breeds.

Veterinary-backed diets are specifically formulated to support pets with tailored breed-appropriate nutrition no matter where they are in life, so you can rest easy knowing that your cat’s food is nutritionally complete and balanced, scientifically formulated and tailored for their specific needs.

Maine Coon

Maine Coons are one of the largest cat breeds, with an average weight of up to nine kilograms, though they don’t reach their full size until they’re three to five-years-old. A top family pick due to their playful, kid-friendly nature, they are affectionate, get along well with other pets and are even trainable. They were originally ‘mousers’ from the US state of Maine (hence the name) that kept homes and barns free of rodents, and their large paws seem perfectly suited to this pursuit.

Maine Coons inherit a condition called cardiomyopathy, and due to their size and weight, they can be prone to hip dysplasia. That’s why it’s best to use a formula just for these gentle giants that support their longer growth period to keep bones and joints strong and concentrated energy to ensure appropriate meal sizes. The inclusion of Taurine, EPA and DHA (Omega-3 fatty acids) can also help support healthy heart function.

British Shorthair

Originally thought to have been brought to Britain by the Romans, these plush short-coated cuties resemble living teddy bears. Their easygoing attitude about life makes them popular with almost anyone, and they’re a great choice for first-time pet owners. They are easy to groom and live happily with other animals as well as children. Averaging in size from three to seven kilograms, they are a medium sized cat and solidly built.

In later years, they should be monitored to ensure they stay at a fit weight as they aren’t exceptionally active. Kitten food for British Shorthairs should be specific for their needs to keep them in top health with an adapted fat content for weight control and a specific balance of nutrients for overall wellness.

Persian

The elegant Persian is a docile pet with a gentle and sweet nature. Their long coat is silky smooth and requires regular maintenance through brushing, sometimes washing and dematting, so a willingness to perform some daily upkeep is vital. It’s also important to keep the litter box meticulously cleaned, so it doesn’t become lodged in their paws. Medium build, with a typical weight range of three to five and a half kilograms, Persians are prone to an appreciation of the finer things – laps, toys and quiet, more serene environments.

Health-wise, they can be prone to periodontal disease, so almond-shaped kibble is best for Persians, making it easy for them to chew with optimal contact to the surface area. This acts as a means of oral hygiene to support teeth and gums. The Persian Adult dry diet contains a blend of specific fibres to promote hair ingested from grooming to pass through the faeces, assisting in the reduction of hairballs.

Ragdoll

Best buddies to just about everyone they meet, Ragdolls are affectionate, clever, and a real part of the family. This laid-back breed is known for its amenable nature, happy to be picked up and cuddled, going limp (like a ragdoll) when held – even on their back. They learn quickly, can pick up tricks, and be trained to use a scratching post. Their moderately long fur means they’ll need some grooming, but without an undercoat, it’s less likely to mat and shed. Weighing in between four and a half to nine kilograms, they’re solid and strong.

Specifically targeted nutrients, including glucosamine and chondroitin, help promote joint health and mobility. Royal Canin’s Ragdoll-tailored food has an exclusively designed kibble shape, size, and texture to suit the jaw and chewing style of Ragdoll cats for superior dental health.

Shop Royal Canin to provide your special breed cat with a healthy start in life, for now and always.